Catherine, Called Birdy

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Cushman, Karen. 1994. Catherine, Called Birdy. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395681863

PLOT SUMMARY

In Catherine, Called Birdy, Karen Cushman has created a witty and fascinating story about medieval life. The story is told through the fictional diary of Catherine, a 14-year-old, English noble. As common in medieval society, Catherine is expected to marry a man of her father’s choosing; however, Catherine longs for independence and makes every attempt to foil any plans for a betrothal. Despite her best efforts, Catherine soon learns that she must marry a repulsive baron, whom she calls Shaggy Beard. After her many attempts to rebuff Shaggy Beard, Catherine realizes that she must make compromises in order to find happiness.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a fascinating story of life during the 13^th century. The realities of the time period are not glamorized or subdued, but are presented with honesty and authenticity. The filthy conditions and sickness that are indicative of medieval times is accurately depicted in the story, which helps readers to gain a clear understanding of life during the middle ages. 

Since the book is written in diary format, Catherine is the only well developed character. However, readers will easily identify with the witty and strong-willed Catherine, who longs for a different life. Catherine’s longing for independence is a universal theme, which will resonate with many of today’s young readers. The story encourages readers to think about societal norms and breaking with tradition. The book also illustrates how far women have come in society.

Cushman’s use of authentic language lends credibility to the story’s historical accuracy. Terms like privy, spinning, and chamber capture the essence of the 13^th century. Cushman also makes the setting an integral part of the story. Descriptions of the manor, cottages, village, and style of dress paint a vivid portrait of medieval life and further contribute to the authenticity of the story.  Overall, Cushman has brilliantly woven together fact and fiction, thus creating a story that is both easy and enjoyable to read.

Catherine, Called Birdy is a well-balanced story, which encourages further research. The information about saints and historical figures, like Eleanor of Aquitaine, provide great opportunities for discussion. In the author’s note, Cushman offers additional insight into medieval life along with recommendations for further reading. However, the book lacks a list of reference sources, so readers will have to conduct their own research to distinguish fact from fiction.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEWS, 1994: “The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The book is rich with information about the food, dress, religious beliefs, manners, health, medical practices, and sanitary habits (or lack thereof) of the people of her day. From the number of fleas she kills in an evening to her herbal medicines laced with urine, Birdy reveals fascinating facts about her time period.”

BOOKLIST: “Birdy's is the only real voice. Fortunately, it's a sprightly voice, complete with its own brand of cursing ("God's thumbs!"), that moves the action. Kids can read this on their own or as a supplement to studies of the Middle Ages.”

AWARDS

*John Newbery Medal, 1995 Honor Book

*ABBY Award, 1996 Honor Book

*Parents’ Choice Award, 1994 Gold Fiction

CONNECTIONS

*Share other medieval historical fiction books, like:

• The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman
• The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli

*Ask students to conduct research on one of the saints mentioned in the book and then write a short essay about the saint.

*Discuss how Catherine’s collection of birds is a metaphor for her own life.

*Discuss how the lives of women have changed over time. Do women still face any of the challenges that Catherine faced?

The Green Glass Sea

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York: Viking. ISBN 0670061344

PLOT SUMMARY

The year is 1943 and Dewey Kerrigan is on her way to be reunited with her father. Dewey’s father is one of many scientists working on “the gadget,” a top secret military project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Although Dewey does not know what “the gadget” is she knows that it is supposed to help the Americans win World War II. When Dewey arrives in Los Alamos, she finds herself at home on the military base dubbed “the Hill.” She dedicates most of her free time to working on her radio and other mechanical contraptions. When an unexpected tragedy changes Dewey’s life, she must come to grips with not only how the world is changing, but also her uncertain future.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Green Glass Sea is a fascinating story about life on the Los Alamos military base during World War II. Due to the relative currency of the time period contemporary readers will have little trouble following the story. Klages provides a balanced combination of fact and fiction. She references various styles of dress, food, and technology consistent with the 1940s, thus creating an authentic and compelling story.

The story is told in alternating chapters, focusing on the two main characters, Dewey and Suze. Klages characterizations of Dewey and Suze are honest and compelling. Readers come to feel like they really know the two characters. The girls’ experiences in their time on “the Hill” reflect the attitudes and ideas during World War II, particularly in reference to winning the war.  Although most readers will not identify with living on a top secret military base, they will relate to the girls’ desire for acceptance and attention. 

The Green Glass Sea is arranged in alternating chapters about Dewy and Suze, respectively.  Dewey is an independent and savvy young girl, yet she is still fragile. As she puts on a brave front for her father and everyone else around her, Dewey longs for her father’s attention and a normal family life. When her father suddenly dies, Dewey is no longer able to maintain her brave façade. Conversely, Suze is an insecure, tough girl who longs for acceptance from her peers. Suze is reluctant to get to know the girl dubbed “Screwy Dewey,” but she soon learns that she has never had a better friend.

Klages vivid depiction of Los Alamos and “the Hill” provide an authentic representation of life on the military base during World War II. Dewey describes the desolate landscape of New Mexico and Los Alamos during her train ride to the military base. She often points out how there is nothing for miles and miles. “The Hill,” with its legion of guards and top secret buildings, is a critical component of the story. Dewey and Suze rarely leave the base, so the setting is conveyed in great detail, further adding to the story’s authenticity.

As the scientists on “the Hill” work tirelessly to perfect “the gadget” the powerful theme of war ethics emerges. Although the scientists are eager to win the war, the implications of their discoveries are not realized until the very end of the book. The Green Glass Sea provides an opportunity to discuss war, grief, and the ethical use of knowledge/power.

Klages does not provide a list of sources at the end of The Green Glass Sea, but she does acknowledge people and resources that she found helpful in researching the book. She also includes an author’s note and a list of recommended sources.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

VOYA, 2007: “The book is well written, with intelligent characters and understandable descriptions of the place and the work being accomplished. Its well-researched information, including the debate that occurred when the scientists realized what they had created, will appeal to readers of historical fiction.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2007: “The description of this part of World War II is interesting and provocative. This well-paced story gives us an insight to a different part of the war and how it affected the people that were involved in the Manhattan Project. Recommended.

BOOKLIST, 2006: “The novel occasionally gets mired down in detail, but the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”

AWARDS

*Scott O’Dell Award Winner, 2007

*Judy Lopez Award Winner, 2007

CONNECTIONS

*Share other books about the Manhattan Project, like:

·         The Secret of the Manhattan Project by Doreen Gonzales

·         The Ultimate Weapon: The Race to Develop the Atomic Bomb by Edward T. Sullivan

·         White Sands, Red Menace  by Ellen Klages

*Show students pictures of trinitite and visit the Trinity base website, so that students can see actual photographs of the blast site (http://www.wsmr.army.mil/PAO/Trinity/Pages/default.aspx).

*Divide students into two groups and have a debate about the use of the atomic bomb.

*Ask students to research a scientist that worked on the Manhattan Project and then write a short report about the scientist.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kelly, Jacqueline. 2009. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 9780805088410

 PLOT SUMMARY

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is the story of a young girl's self discovery during the early 20^th century. Calpurnia Virginia Tate, Callie Vee for short, is a spunky and curious eleven-year-old, who is a born scientist. One day, while sitting in her yard, Callie notices two different types of grasshoppers. She wonders why the green grasshoppers are little while the yellow grasshoppers are much bigger. In her quest for answers, Callie finds an unlikely companion in her cantankerous grandfather. Over the course of the next year Callie grows closer to her grandfather as he teaches her all about science. As Callie learns more about science her desire to become a scientist intensifies, much to the dismay of her conservative mother.

Through Callie's adventures, readers learn about various scientific facts, like evolution, the life cycle, and microscopic organisms, as well as events that had a great impact on society, like the invention of the telephone and automobile. Kelly has discovered a unique way to blend science, history, and fiction into an appealing and interesting story.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Jaqueline Kelly's story of a precocious young girl in 1899, Texas is the perfect blend of fact and fiction. Kelly flawlessly incorporates factual information about science and history into a beautiful story of hope and determination. Callie's story proceeds in chronological order over the course of a year. Each chapter of the book begins with an excerpt of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species, which highlights a particular event in Callie's life.

Callie is full of charisma, so readers can't help but cheer for her as she longs to break away from the traditional expectations of young girls in the 20^th century. Calpurnia's grandfather, whom she calls “granddaddy” starts off as a bit of a mysterious character, but as his relationship with Callie grows, readers discover his complexity and genuineness. Kelly does an excellent job describing all of the supporting characters in her book, readers come to know the whole Tate family.

Kelly flawlessly captures life in 1899, Texas. Her description of Fentress and the Tate's cotton and pecan farm provide a clear image of rural life during the early 20^th century. Kelly's use of southern dialect and terms/phrases common in 1899 brilliantly capture the essence of the time period. Her description of horse-pulled gigs, the town's first telephone connection, and various social events transport readers back in time. The scientific terms and historical references throughout the book lend credibility and authenticity to the story.

As Callie struggles to follow her dreams, she is pressured by her mother to follow a more traditional path of sewing and cooking. The story's theme of following one's dreams is universal, so even today's youth can relate to Callie's desire to carve out her place in the world. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate encourages discussion about the role of women during the early 20^th century and the advantages of living in today's society.

Jacqueline Kelly does not provide a list of sources for the information included in the book. In the author's note, she mentions that not everything in the book is accurate, so readers must conduct their own research to distinguish fact from fiction. Kelly does include a list of possible discussion questions, which promote critical evaluation of the text.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEWS, 2009: “Readers will finish this witty, deftly crafted debut novel rooting for "Callie Vee" and wishing they knew what kind of adult she would become.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2009: “The references to the inventions that come about add charm to the story. Recommended.”

BOOKLIST, 2009: “Many readers will hope for a sequel to this engaging, satisfying first novel.”

AWARDS

*John Newbery Medal, 2010 Honor Book

*Josette Frank Award, 2010 Winner

CONNECTIONS

*Discuss Charles Darwin and share some books about his life and work, including:

• The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
• DK Biography: Charles Darwin by David C. King
• Charles Darwin by Kathleen Krull

*Ask students to conduct research on one of the scientific topics Callie mentions and then write a short essay about the topic.

*Ask students to discuss how the lives of women have changed since 1899. A good website for obtaining pictures and additional information about women's history is the National Women's History Museum (www.nwhm.org).

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Jenkins, Steve and Robin Page. 2003. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452

PLOT SUMMARY

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page is an entertaining and informative book about animals. The book is arranged in a way that creates suspense and excitement for the reader. Illustrations of various parts of an animal’s body, like feet, eyes, or ears are accompanied by a question, like “What do you do with eyes like these?” The reader then flips the page and sees a full size image of the animal accompanied by a quick fact about how the animal uses a particular part of his body. Jenkins and Page discuss 30 different animals, from scorpions to monkeys and how these animals use their body parts in unique ways. The question and answer format of this book will keep children interested until the very end and will likely stimulate a lively discussion about animals.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Steve Jenkins is an award-winning author of children’s non-fiction books. In What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Jenkins and Page have created a fun and engaging concept book about animals. The book follows a clear pattern, which is a general question about an animal’s body part followed by a more specific answer about a particular animal. The short questions and the way that the illustrations are arranged will pique young children’s interest. Children will enjoy trying to guess which animal the body part belongs to and how the animal uses that particular part. 

Jenkins’ collage illustrations are vibrant, varied, and accurately depict the various animals in the story. Illustrations alternate between showing a portion of the animals’ body to revealing the whole animal with accompanying facts. The back of the book includes a detailed definition and description of the animals mentioned. 

Sharing What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? is a great way to introduce young children to informational books. The illustrations and minimal text help young children focus on the information presented and encourage curiosity and interaction. The facts and animal descriptions at the end of the book encourage further study about animals.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS: “With some kind of critter for everyone, this will be useful for entry-level natural history.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2004: “This wonderfully creative and well-designed book will be fun for early readers who enjoy animals.”

BOOKLIST, 2003: “This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art.”

AWARDS

*Charlotte Zolotow Award, 2004

*Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2004 Honor Book

CONNECTIONS

*Discuss the information children found most surprising. Then have students nominate and vote for the animal they would like to learn more about. Create a follow up lesson about the chosen animal.

*Give the children art supplies and ask them to create a picture of their favorite animal from the story.

*Share other books by Steve Jenkins, like:

• What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You?
• Biggest, Strongest, Fastest
• Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past

BIBLIOGRAPHY

            Deem, James M.. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452

PLOT SUMMARY

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past is a photo essay book by James M. Deem. Deem’s book details the numerous people and artifacts discovered after the melting of glaciers. The book opens with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. Ötzi was a man that lived during the Copper Age and when his frozen remains were discovered in the Ötzal Alps, he was estimated to be about 5,300 years old. Actual photographs of the excavation site, Ötzi, and scientists provide an accurate and dramatic look at the historical finding. 

Deem goes on to provide details of numerous other archaeological discoveries due to melting glaciers. Some of the other discoveries include Incan children in the Andes Mountains and the body of famous mountain climber George Mallory on Mount Everest. Deem is quick to point out that although the melting of glaciers has uncovered interesting pieces of history, there may be dire consequences for the planet. He encourages readers to learn how to protect the environment and to visit a glacier while they still have to opportunity to see one.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past is a fascinating book, which reveals Deem’s passion for glaciers and the history locked inside. In the book, Deem provides many interesting facts about glaciers, archaeology, and global warming. Readers will enjoy the variety of images as well as the supplemental facts and stories presented throughout the text. 

Deem’s use of photographs help the reader to understand the text and make the book accessible to readers of various ages. The large photographs, on every page, facilitate interest in the story and help to break up the text. The graphic photographs of Ötzi’s excavation will intrigue readers of all ages, especially those interested in science and history. Although the book is somewhat lengthy, the combination of text and photographs make this book an interesting and informative read.

Although users of all ages will enjoy looking at the book, it is best suited to older readers or in incremental portions. Deem has included a table of contents, index, and bibliography, which allows readers to use the book as a research source. He also includes a list of websites that provide more information about topics discussed in the book. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past has been thoroughly researched and is supported by credible sources. The content of the book encourages further study of science and history topics.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: “The great photos make the content accessible to students who are even younger than the intended secondary audience.”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, 2009: “This book is a treat to look at, but is also chock-full of enough text and factual information to be a great resource for research reports.”

BOOKLIST, 2008: “Heavily illustrated with historical memorabilia as well as photos of bodies, scenery, artifacts, and rather simplistic maps, this offers a lot to look at and learn about.”

AWARDS

*Robert F. Sibert Information Book Medal, 2009 Honor Book

*SB & F Prize for Excellence in Science, 2010 Finalist

CONNECTIONS

*Share other “Bodies” books by James M. Deem, like:

• Bodies from the Bog
• Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii

*Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website (www.iceman.it), so that students can see how Ötzi is being preserved.

*Ask students to select one of the italicized terms from the text and then conduct further research on the term. Ask students to present their findings in a short essay.

*Ask students to select one of the people mentioned in the book and write a short biography about the person.